Aare Onakakanfo
of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, has assured Lagosians, particularly,
indigenes of Badagry that the 2019 edition of Olokun Festival will boost the economy of the state and enhance eco-tourism of the host community.
Speaking yesterday in Lagos, at a briefing to unveil the
programme for this year edition of the Olokun Festival, Adams, who is also the
chief promoter of Olokun Festival Foundation, (OFF) revealed that the annual
fiesta has made significant impacts in boosting the economy of the ancient town
and the entire state.
Adams also affirmed that the Olokun deity has a special
blessing for Lagosians.
"Not a few people will agree with me that Lagos is one
of the most prosperous states in Nigeria."
" It is gradually becoming the city of everybody's
dream, and a smart city because of the Olokun diety's
phenomenon. In the spiritual realm, Olokun is in charge of the wealth of the
nation and it controls the wealth. That
is why it is important to rejoice and celebrate the festival."
"This year's festival is unique because it will open up
the tourism space of the historic town. About 50, 000 people, including
tourists and traditional rulers will grace the grand finale and you know what
that means in terms of business opportunities. We are ready to beef up the
security and the atmosphere will be conducive for visitors that are coming from
every part of the world." He said.
Part of the activities lined up for this year edition of
Olokun Festival includes:
Prayer to almighty God, holding at White House Hotel in Ikeja on Wednesday,
October 16. Quiz competition for selected primary schools in the state will
also come up on Thursday, October 17, at the News agency of Nigeria's (NAN)
media Centre, Iganmu, Lagos. Arts exhibitions will also hold on Friday, October
18 at CBAAC headquarters in Lagos, while the Beauty
Pageant will be coming up on Sunday, October 20 at R/A
hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. The Beach Soccer, festival float, Boat Regatta and Olosa
Gala night will come up simultaneously on Tuesday, October 22 and Wednesday, October 23 at Sultan Beach, Badagry, with the
grand finale coming up at the same venue on Thursday, October 24.
Chairman of the Olokun Festival planning committee, Ambassador Muyiwa Oshinaike, in his remarks said: "A window of opportunities will be provided
for traders to do their businesses and visitors will also know more about the
Badagry ancestry, culture as well as the tradition of the people. The event is basically, to explore the
potentials of nature and revive the tradition of the people of the ancient
town and I think with the program coming up as scheduled, we are going to
make the best use of our time.
He thanked the chief promoter of Olokun Festival Foundation,
Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, for the support so far.
"It has been
almost two decades since the OFF became the official and sole sponsors of the
Olokun Festival and other festivals across the southwest"
"It involves a lot of
sacrifices and commitments because for a non- governmental and non-profitable
organisation to have sustained this kind
of cultural project for almost 20 years without any support from government,
either at the state or federal level. So, we need to commend all members of
the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) and the entire members of the planning
committee for going this far and for bringing to fore, the best of Yoruba
culture and tradition." He noted.
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